Sidewalk masking

Brian Roberts, right, and stone mason Bruce Cooney tape down a tarp to keep paint off the sidewalk. My business has been slow, but these guys are keeping busy, says Cooney.

Brian Roberts, right, and stone mason Bruce Cooney tape down a tarp to keep paint off the sidewalk. My business has been slow, but these guys are keeping busy, says Cooney. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Brian Roberts, right, and stone mason Bruce Cooney tape down a tarp to keep paint off the sidewalk. My business has been slow, but these guys are keeping busy, says Cooney.